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This content has been automatically translated from Ukrainian.
Are you familiar with the feeling when night turns into a exhausting struggle for every sleepy moment? When you stare at the ceiling for hours, and thoughts swirl in your head like a swarm of bees? If so, you have probably encountered insomnia, which in medicine is called “Sleep Disorder” – it can seriously affect the quality of life.
Many seek an effective remedy for insomnia, using folk and evidence-based methods. But without understanding the true cause of insomnia, these efforts may be in vain. After all, the root of the problem often lies in the functioning of our nervous system. So let’s explore together with experienced specialists from the medical center Daily Medical what sleep disorders are, what causes them, and how to properly fight insomnia.
What is insomnia and how to recognize it
Insomnia, or insomnia, is a condition in which a person has difficulty falling asleep, maintaining sleep, or experiences poor sleep quality, leading to daytime disturbances: fatigue, decreased concentration, irritability. It can be short-term (a few days or weeks) or chronic (over a month). The main signs of insomnia are:
- difficulties falling asleep (more than 30 minutes).
- frequent awakenings at night or early awakening without the ability to fall back asleep.
- poor well-being after sleep, feeling that you haven't rested.
- daytime drowsiness, fatigue, apathy, deterioration of memory and attention.
- increased irritability, anxiety, or depressive mood.
If you notice these symptoms and they affect your daily life, it is worth not just searching online for what to take for insomnia, but seeking professional help. Don’t know which doctor treats insomnia? The very first step in treating insomnia is consultation with a neurologist.
Neurological causes of insomnia
Neurology plays a key role in understanding and treating insomnia, as sleep is a complex neurophysiological process controlled by the brain. Among the main neurological causes of insomnia are:
- Disorders of the central nervous system – depression, anxiety, bipolar or obsessive-compulsive disorders. These conditions disrupt the balance of neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine) that regulate sleep and wakefulness cycles.
- Restless legs syndrome – an irresistible urge to move the legs, accompanied by unpleasant sensations (burning, tingling), which intensifies in a state of rest, especially at night. This significantly complicates falling asleep and maintaining sleep.
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) – a disorder in which breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep due to temporary blockage of the airways. Each such interruption leads to a brief awakening, which a person may not even remember, but it disrupts the architecture of sleep.
- Chronic pain – neuropathic pain, migraines, fibromyalgia, and other chronic pain syndromes can hinder falling asleep and cause frequent awakenings.
- Neurodegenerative diseases – Parkinson's or Alzheimer's disease and other conditions that directly affect the brain often lead to sleep disturbances, including insomnia.
- Circadian rhythm disturbances – changes in the body's internal "clock" due to night work, frequent time zone changes, or an improper daily routine can lead to sleep dysregulation.
Understanding these causes is critically important to find effective solutions for how to fall asleep when insomnia occurs, as self-treatment can not only be ineffective but also harmful.
How insomnia is diagnosed in neurology
Diagnosing insomnia from a neurological perspective requires a comprehensive approach. At the Daily Medical center, highly qualified specialists use modern methods for diagnosing insomnia, including:
- Detailed medical history. The neurologist gathers information about your sleep patterns, medical history, lifestyle, medication use, and psycho-emotional state.
- Neurological examination. Assessment of nervous system functions, reflexes, and sensitivity.
- Laboratory tests. Blood tests to rule out hormonal disorders, vitamin deficiencies, or other conditions that may affect sleep.
- Polysomnography. The "gold standard" for diagnosing sleep disorders. This overnight study records various parameters: brain activity (EEG), eye movements, muscle activity, heart rate, breathing, and blood oxygen levels. It allows for the detection of sleep apnea, movement disorders during sleep, and other disturbances.
- Actigraphy: Monitoring activity and sleep using a special device that the patient wears on their wrist for several days or weeks.
- Consultations with related specialists. If necessary – consultation with a somnologist, psychiatrist, endocrinologist.
This thorough approach allows for accurately determining the causes of insomnia in your specific case and selecting the most effective strategy.
When to see a neurologist
You should see a neurologist if you have already tried general advice for combating insomnia, and they did not yield the desired results, or if insomnia is accompanied by the following symptoms:
- persistent daytime drowsiness;
- loud snoring or apnea during sleep;
- unpleasant sensations in the lower limbs that hinder falling asleep;
- periodic limb movements during sleep;
- depression, anxiety disorder, or other mental issues causing insomnia.
Do not postpone your visit, as self-treatment can not only be ineffective but also lead to a worsening of your condition. A qualified consultation with a neurologist at Daily Medical will help you find the true cause of insomnia and the path to healthy sleep. Schedule an appointment – take the first step towards your full rest!
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